News Briefs
Cape Henlopen school board meets Thursday
The Cape Henlopen school board will meet at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 9, in the cafeteria of Mariner Middle School for its regular meeting. The board will discuss Superintendent Robert Fulton’s recent proposal to divide the Milton elementary schools into lower and upper elementary grades, expand the middle schools and consider renovations or new construction for the district’s remaining elementary schools. A presentation on cyberbullying is also on the agenda.
Teen pleads not guilty to kidnapping woman
A Milford teen has pleaded not guilty to charges involving the kidnapping of an elderly woman in March. Junia McDonald, 14, appeared in Sussex County Superior Court May 6 with her attorney, Public Defender John Daniello, and pleaded not guilty to felony charges of kidnapping, carjacking and conspiracy. Junia and her co-conspirators – Jackeline Perez, 15, Rondiages Harper and Phillip Brewer, both 17 – all face adult charges. Judge Richard F. Stokes set Junia’s bond at $120,000 – $20,000 for each of the six charges against her.
Police say Junia and Jackeline hitched a ride with 89-year-old Margaret Smith before stealing her car keys and $500, and forcing her into the trunk of her car for two days without food or water. Smith was found wandering in a cemetery March 20, where police say the girls left her and drove away in her Buick Le Sabre. Police say Rondaiges and Phillip joined the two girls in the crime after Smith had been forced into the truck.
Jackeline, Rondaiges and Phillip were all arraigned at earlier dates, and all three pleaded not guilty to the charges. Junia was initially scheduled for arraignment May 1, but her mother failed to appear in court. All four teens are due back in court for a case review Monday, May 20.
Rehoboth committee to discuss canal bridge
The Rehoboth Beach Streets and Transportation Committee will hold a discussion at 9 a.m., Friday, May 10, in the city commissioners’ room, with representatives from the Delaware Department of Transportation to discuss plates on the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal Bridge to better enable bicycle riding.
The committee will review and update the city’s bicycle map and determine how many to print for the 2013 season. There will also be an update on widening and putting in a bike lane on Surf Avenue and discussion of ideas for informational signs.
Milton Personnel Committee to meet
The Milton Personnel Committee will meet at 4:45 p.m., Tuesday, May 9, at the Milton Public Library. On tap for the meeting is a discussion on specific changes to the employee handbook to be moved before council. The group will also talk about including goals and objectives in employees’ performance reviews and an amendment to Chapter 26 of the town code. For more information, call town hall at 302-684-4110.
Sussex council awards grants to nonprofits
Sussex County Council awarded the following councilmanic grants during its April 30 meeting: $1,000 to Trap Pond Partners for its Healthy Kids Day; $264.95 to Sussex Technical High School for its fall sports poster; $750 to Town of Georgetown for the Saturday, May 18, Spring into Spring Festival; $1,000 to Georgetown Boys and Girls Club to support its first golf tournament; $200 for American Legion Auxiliary Unit 28’s poppy program for veterans; $1,000 to Ducks Unlimited for its annual Greenwing Day for children; $400 to Gators men’s softball team for tournament expenses; $500 to CHEER for Wheels for Meals classic car show on Saturday, June 29, at the Georgetown CHEER Center; and $1,000 to Sussex Cyclists for its safety program. Council presents grants to nonprofit agencies, organizations and teams providing services and programs to county residents.
Gray, Hocker set coffee meeting May 16
State Rep. Ron Gray, R-Selbyville, and Sen. Gerald Hocker, R-Ocean View, have announced that they will be holding their next constituent coffee meeting in May. Gray and Hocker have scheduled their next Coffee with Constituents meeting for Thursday, May 16, at the Fenwick Island Town Hall between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m.
